Early Life and Artistic Beginnings Born in Gnoien, Germany, Erich Wegner grew up in Rostock, where the atmosphere of the harbor left a lasting impression on his formative years. As a child, he spent much of his time around the docks, captivated by the sight of sailors, shipyard workers, and various vessels. While he initially harbored ambitions of becoming a seaman, his constant companionship with a sketchbook made his eventual calling…